Grant Will Help SEPTA Make Critical Improvements at 11 Sites and Support the Restoration of Wayne Junction Substation
Safe, Reliable Transportation Critical to SEPA Economy
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has approved a $12.8 million grant to help the City of Philadelphia, SEPTA and PennDOT make critical infrastructure improvements in the Philadelphia region.
The grant will improve infrastructure that supports travel for 28 million vehicle trips and 35 million transit trips per year. Funding will also support the renovation of the 80 year-old Wayne Junction substation.
Senator Casey and Congresswoman Schwartz fought for the grant in personal letters to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
“Bringing infrastructure into a sustainable state of good repair creates jobs, supports economic growth and saves money on costly repairs in the long run,” Senator Casey said. “I fought for this grant to ensure that safe, reliable transportation is available for the Pennsylvania residents and businesses that depend on it.”
“A robust 21st century transportation and infrastructure system is paramount to our region. I fought for this TIGER grant because of its tremendous potential to strengthen our local economy by creating jobs in the short term and leading to improved commutes and more reliable transportation,” U.S. Rep. Schwartz said. “The modernization of the 80-year old Wayne Junction substation and 11 area bridges is vitally important, and this grant is a major win for Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.”
"These federal funds will create good-paying jobs and improve the City's mass transit system - a double win for Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. “I am grateful to President Obama, Secretary LaHood, Senator Casey and our entire Congressional delegation for their support."
"I am extremely grateful for the hard work of everyone who made this application to improve mobility in the city a success. This was truly a team effort,” said SEPTA Director Joe Casey. “The Wayne Junction Substation is one of SEPTA’s most critical power distribution facilities, supplying electricity to six SEPTA Regional Rail Lines. I am pleased that funds from this TIGER grant will be going to replace equipment that has been in continuous use since the 1920s and is well past its useful life. This will improve service and reliability for millions of riders annually."
###
